Whether you’re new to skin care or already a skin care guru, hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that should be on your radar. Loved for its anti-ageing, plumping and moisturising properties it’s a popular ingredient in many skincare and cosmetic formulations. Why is hyaluronic acid good for your skin?
A substance found naturally in the human body, it has minimal risk of reactions and with a variety of beauty benefits, hyaluronic acid formulations can be worth having in your skin care routine.
WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID?
Hyaluronic acid, often written as HA, can be called hyaluronan or hyaluronate. Found in different tissues of the human body such as the nerve system and connective tissue, hyaluronic acid molecules are changeable in size.
Present in the human body, the amount of pure hyaluronic acid is minimal. For example, if a woman weighs around 70 kg this pure amount would only equate to around 15 grams.
WHY IS HYALURONIC ACID GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN?
Hyaluronic acid has a variety of beauty benefits, including one of its most important capabilities – protecting cells from free radical damage.
A high concentration of hyaluronic acid found in the epidermis plays a vital role in the skin’s renewal. With a decrease, a chain reaction begins for skin — inflammatory reactions begin, skin’s protecting functions decline, along with its ability to retain moisture, as well as disturbing its healing processes and a loss of skin elasticity.
Common signs of hyaluronic acid decrease in skin can include skin dryness and sensitivity with localised skin flaking and irritation. Later on, this can lead to an appearance of wrinkles and a change in skin tone.
A major harmful factor leading to a decrease in the amount of hyaluronic acid in skin are UVB rays. Responsible for causing a decline in its production and simultaneously its breakdown.
THE BENEFITS OF USING HYALURONIC ACID ON SKIN
Hyaluronic acid belongs to a class of cosmetic ingredients called humectants. It pulls in and retains a large number of water molecules, hundreds of times more than its own molecular weight and additionally is easily combined with other moisturising ingredients such as glycerine. This creates a superficial moisturising effect.
The size of the hyaluronic acid molecule will determine its level of penetration and the benefit it has to skin.
Low molecular forms can penetrate the deep layers of the epidermis and affect the dermis. These small weight forms (5000 to 20,000 Da) are actively used in topical solutions for anti-age benefits.
Large molecules of hyaluronic acid (500,000 Da) don’t penetrate the deep skin layer but provide soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
For example, the effects of hyaluronic acid are especially visible when applied to skin after chemical peels, laser resurfacing or other skin injuries. It is also recommended for use after treatments with retinol and its derivatives to reduce the intensity of inflammatory reactions.
WHY DOES MY SKIN FEEL TIGHT AFTER USING IT?
The most important factor to consider when applying hyaluronic acid-based products to skin is the air humidity especially if the humidity level is low. This results in hyaluronic acid being the opposite of moisturising.
It can dry the skin and pull the skin surface, leaving it feeling tight and prickly.
This can be stopped by applying a moisturiser on top to prevent moisture from leaving the skin.
SERUMS & PRODUCTS
Solutions containing several forms of hyaluronic acid have a universal effect and are good for all skin types.
Meder Beauty uses hyaluronic acid in both high-molecular and low-molecular forms within bestselling concentrate Hydra-Fill.
Enriched with prebiotics, probiotics, plant-based glycerin and xylitol complex to give skin 3D hydration, working on 3 different skin structures.
Recommended for dry and dehydrated skin, those experiencing sun damage and anyone in recovery from aesthetic treatments like chemical peels.
